Can I make ambrosia salad the night before serving?

Yes, you can prepare this ambrosia fruit salad up to one day ahead, but for the best texture, hold the marshmallows out and stir them in 15 to 30 minutes before serving. The whipped cream base and drained fruit for the ambrosia salad can sit together overnight in an airtight container without any significant quality loss. Stir gently before serving if any liquid has pooled at the bottom.

What can I substitute for maraschino cherries in this ambrosia fruit salad recipe?

Fresh halved strawberries are the best substitute for maraschino cherries and produce a lovely strawberry salad variation of classic ambrosia. You can also use dried cranberries for a tart contrast, fresh raspberries for a more delicate option, or simply omit the cherries entirely if preferred. Each substitution shifts the flavor balance slightly but keeps the dish well within the spirit of the original.

Is it possible to make this ambrosia salad dairy-free?

A dairy-free ambrosia fruit salad works well using full-fat coconut cream in place of heavy whipping cream and a dairy-free coconut or cashew yogurt in place of Greek yogurt. Chill the can of coconut cream overnight and scoop only the solid cream from the top before whipping. The resulting ambrosia salad dressing is slightly less stable than the original but has a pleasant, complementary coconut flavor that works naturally with the shredded coconut already in the recipe.

Why does my ambrosia salad get watery after sitting in the refrigerator?

Excess juice from canned fruit is the primary cause of a watery ambrosia fruit salad. Draining mandarin oranges and pineapple tidbits for a minimum of two minutes each and blotting them dry significantly reduces this problem in any ambrosia salad recipe. Marshmallows also release moisture as they soften, which is why adding them close to serving time rather than hours ahead keeps the dressing thicker and more appealing.

Can I add bananas to ambrosia fruit salad without them turning brown?

Sliced bananas can be added to ambrosia fruit salad, but they should be folded in no more than one hour before serving to minimize browning. Tossing the banana slices in a teaspoon of lemon juice before adding them to the ambrosia salad buys a bit more time before oxidation begins. Bananas add a creamy, mild sweetness that works well alongside the tropical fruits already in the dish, so the flavor payoff is worth the timing consideration. For more fruit salad ideas with fresh ingredients , check out additional recipes that handle delicate fruit well.

Best Easy Ambrosia Fruit Salad Recipe: (Just 15 min)

Name: Ambrosia Fruit Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt; 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut; 11 oz can mandarin oranges, drained; 8 oz can pineapple tidbits, drained; 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved; 1 1/2 cups mini fruit-flavored marshmallows

Description

This Ambrosia Fruit Salad is a creamy, no-cook classic made with mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, maraschino cherries, shredded coconut, mini marshmallows, and a light homemade whipped cream base that comes together in just 15 minutes. With its beautiful balance of tropical sweetness, subtle tang from Greek yogurt, and fluffy texture, it is the perfect side dish or dessert for Easter, holidays, potlucks, and summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup plain or vanilla Greek yogurt
1 cup shredded sweetened coconut (or toasted unsweetened for less sugar)
11 oz can mandarin oranges, well drained
8 oz can pineapple tidbits, well drained
1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and halved (or fresh strawberries)
1 1/2 cups mini fruit-flavored marshmallows (hold back half if making ahead)
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans, sliced bananas, or chopped apple

Instructions

Chill Your Equipment: Place your mixing bowl and beater attachments in the freezer for 10 minutes before starting. Cold equipment produces a more stable whipped cream.
Whip the Cream: Pour cold heavy whipping cream into the chilled bowl and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes until the cream thickens and soft peaks form.
Add Sugar and Beat to Stiff Peaks: Slowly stream in the powdered sugar while beating on medium-high until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 1 more minute. Do not over-beat.
Fold in Yogurt: Add Greek yogurt and fold gently with a rubber spatula using wide, sweeping upward motions until fully combined with no streaks.
Drain All Canned Fruit: Pour mandarin oranges and pineapple tidbits into a fine-mesh strainer. Press gently and let drain for at least 2 minutes. Blot maraschino cherries dry with a paper towel to prevent color bleed.
Combine Fruit and Coconut: Add all drained fruit and shredded coconut to a large serving bowl.
Add Marshmallows: Fold in mini marshmallows. If making ahead, hold back half to stir in just before serving.
Fold in Whipped Cream: Spoon the whipped cream mixture over the fruit and fold gently until every piece is evenly coated.
Chill and Serve: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Two to four hours produces the best flavor.

Notes

Drain canned fruit thoroughly, excess juice is the most common cause of a watery ambrosia salad. For a fruit salad with vanilla pudding twist, whisk one small box of instant vanilla pudding into the cream base before folding in the fruit. Add marshmallows no more than 1 to 2 hours before serving to keep them fluffy. This ambrosia fruit salad can be made up to 24 hours ahead; just keep the marshmallows separate until close to serving time. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Do not freeze.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad / Side Dish / Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (1/8th of dish)
Calories: 236
Sugar: 36g
Sodium: 62mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 11mg

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